Hi Jodie,

Great question!

I have a black Zimmerman blazer with defined shoulders – kind of puffy – that I bought about eight years ago. It’s still in fabulous condition because I take care of it, and I have worn it every year since I bought it. It somehow always looks right, and this year the strong shoulder came back so it fit in perfectly! Good quality clothes do that.
However, the strong shoulder jacket trend will be around for  another two, maybe three years tops, so if you’re going to buy a seriously big shoulder, that’s how long the lifespan will be – it’s up to your budget whether you think an expensive jacket is worth two to three years of wear. The other thing you can do is look for one that pays homage to the shoulder trend, a puffy corner or a different coloured patch, but isn't massively oversized, because you’ll probably be able to wear it for longer.

Blazers are a great investment and you will wear it for years. Also, don’t forget, fashion goes in circles so things always come back in!

Best,
Nedahl xx

This Camilla & Marc jacket is almost $1000, but I reckon you'll be able to wear it for the next 20 years! It's a classic.

I've always had long hair too, so lopping it off is a big step and I understand your trepidation. How short exactly is it? If it's Nicole Richie short, that's not really that short, it's like midlength and you're probably just having withdrawals which you'll soon get used to.

If it's shorter though, I understand why you're having problems.

My advice is, while it's in this uncomfortable phase (which it will only be in for 2 weeks - 4 weeks max, bet you), is to buy a curling tong and instead of being annoying by those little layers, play them up. Curl them in an upward motion so they're fun and flicky, rather than trying to paste them down. Just a sidenote: I'm a big believer in long layers because I have really thick hair and short layers are my worst nightmare. If your hairdresser has cut them too short, there's not much else you can do but sideline it and wait it out. BUT do please try the flicky curl thing because that will definitely help.

The other way to curl it, if you don't want charlie's angels flicks, is to twist the curling iron down, like Nicole has in this picture. You twist the iron, rather than curling the hair around it. It lengthens the entire look and still takes care of those annoying ends.

Please let me know if this helps! I'd hate to think I contributed to you being unhappy with your hair in any way!

Yours in curling irons and short layers,
Nedahl xxx

Hi Ilona,

This is a tricky one. Oversized tees take a while to get used to, my sister (and Coco Lee business partner) is actually exactly the same shape you're describing so I've consulted her on this one. She agrees with you - don't go for a t-shirt, they just don't suit athetic upper halves no matter how fine the fabric is, it will end up clinging to any bumps or bulges, plus their neckline isn't flattering to a big bust.

For your PMT bloat days, invest in a few silky, oversized tops instead. They'll fall lightly over your body and you still get to wear them with jeans (or leggings, who cares if you're over 30!). They're just as big and you still get the same look, but they're way more flattering for your body type.

Alternatively, you can buy a few day dresses that are oversized and casual. Get them with a v-neck and purposely buy a size too big, that way when you wear them you'll feel tiny inside! Even better - a Camilla kaftan will make you feel glam at the same time and will float around your body like a cloud of patterned silk. Lovely.

Nedahl xx

I don't know about you, but I LOVE the idea of wearing bright colours this spring with a fake tan and a pair of nude heels. Kristen Bell, below, shows how much she's into them, first at a premiere of Couples Retreat and secondly at Letterman. Keep the shape simple, like the pink dress with a flash of this season's hottest trend the cutout, or a ruffled one neckline, as on the tangerine, but nothing fancier. The fancy is in the colour.

Not a brights girl? My next best bet would be stripes,

Oh look! Like all the young starlets. It's chic and fresh and stylish and NEW. You know? Plus I don't think you'll find a heap of other girls at the races wearing stripes, you'll stand out. Shenae's dress is from Sass & Bide, pop in and see if they still stock them.

Reunion! This could be really fun but I can understand why you're anxious. You need to hit the nail on the head with your outfit 'cause it speaks volumes about you and where you are in life right now.

I'd suggest wearing a maxi dress with strappy flats. It says elegant, stylish, comfortable all at once. Some examples:

Try a printed version like this Manning Cartell dress, above, wear with black strappy flats.

Or go for a soft, tie dye version like this sass & bide maxi. Wear with nude coloured flats.

Hope this helps!

xx